Description:
The Adult Protective Services Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (APS LPCU) provides legal counsel, legislative and regulatory guidance, and legal representation and litigation support for the Agency in all litigation involving HRA 's Adult Protective Services (APS). APS makes referrals to APS LPCU for legal review of proceedings for stays of eviction and appointments of guardians ad litem in the Civil Court, or petitions for Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) Article 81 guardianships or for Orders to Gain Access in the Supreme Court. The Unit's attorneys review such referrals for legal sufficiency and, where the legal standard is met, draft pleadings and appear in such proceedings in the appropriate court.Under the guidance and direction of the APS LPCU Deputy General Counsel, the APS LPCU Associate General Counsel leads the supervision of attorney staff engaged in important legal activities and/or engaged in difficult and complex legal work having significant financial, procedural or policy consequences for APS.
The Office of the General Counsel/Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting to fill one Executive Agency Counsel M2 position, to function as an Associate General Counsel in the APS LPCU who will:
- Counsel APS executive staff on legal components in the development of new initiatives and programs and provides timely and strategic legal guidance to APS. Drafts timely, precise and consistent opinions in response to requests from senior APS staff for legal guidance and analysis on issues pertaining to program operations and the impact of proposed amendments to federal and state law and regulations. Works with senior staff from other programs that relate to APS.
- Serve as Agency liaison on high profile litigation matters, by providing specialized legal expertise on matters related to APS an/or its contract vendors. Liaises with the NYC Law Department, City Hall, and other key partner agencies. May act on behalf of the APS LPCU Deputy General Counsel in his absence. Manages affirmative litigation brought on behalf of APS to further the administration's goals of protecting vulnerable adults in the community from risks, including preventing eviction and homelessness.
- Direct the initiation of the Agency's judicial actions to protect alleged incapacitated persons, including guardianship petitions under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law, Orders to Gain Access, and appearances in Housing Court. At times, the Associate General Counsel will be called upon to represent the Commissioner and Agency in court and at conferences and meetings with the court and other government agencies.
- Ensure that supervising attorneys provide legal guidance and support to litigation attorneys involved in guardianship actions, proceedings to obtain guardians ad litem, orders to gain access, class actions, CPLR Article 78 proceedings, and fair hearings, by providing leadership and resources.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the APS LPCU Deputy General Counsel.
4WTC 150 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007
Hours/Schedule: Monday - Friday 9 am – 5 pm, with flex time
Minimum Qualifications:
Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
Preferred Skills:
Strong management, oral argument, and written advocacy skills. - Ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the Agency. - Outstanding legal research, legal writing, and time management discipline. - Ability to understand and anticipate the legal issues of APS and the Agency and to effectively communicate legal analysis and proposed solutions when necessary.
